In the commission Jesus gives to his disciples he refers to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity – the revelation of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
Gospel Reflections
‘As the Father sent me, so am I sending you’
While the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles gives an account of the day of Pentecost, this gospel relates a quieter and more intimate demonstration of the power of the Spirit. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Consecrate them in the truth’
As Jesus prepares to leave his disciples, he prays that they be kept true to his name, acknowledging that the world is not a comfortable place for people of faith. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Love one another as I have loved you’
The farewell teaching of Jesus to his friends on the night before he died focuses on love – not simply love of God and love of neighbour, as in the other gospels, but love which imitates the love Jesus himself has shown. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘I am the vine, you are the branches’
In this reading the image of the vine is used to show that it is in drawing strength from Jesus that Christians can bear fruit in faith and good works. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘I am the good shepherd’
Jesus was fearless in the face of death in order to save his sheep, a flock which is limited by no boundaries of race, nation or origin. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Peace be with you!’
In this week’s reading, Jesus demonstrates the reality of his risen body and uses the Scriptures to help his disciples grasp what has happened. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘My Lord and my God!’
While Thomas refuses to believe without seeing, he should also be remembered as the one who gives the fullest declaration of faith in Christ found anywhere in the gospels. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘He saw and he believed’
Without the resurrection, the real rising of Jesus to new life in a transformed and glorified body, there would be no good news to proclaim. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘My God, my God, why have you deserted me?’
In Mark’s story of the Passion, Jesus’ final words are words of abandonment. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.